DO BETTER

Anti-racism is about actively identifying and opposing racism. It is rooted in action. It is important to “know better”, but that is not enough. On this page we list a few resources to help take steps on this important journey to do better. If you have a favorite non-commercial resource that is not listed below, please let us know so we can add it.

For Educators, Parents and Others

Decolonizing the Music Room
Helping music educators develop critical practices through research, training and discourse to build a more equitable future.

ISTE
9 Resources for Teaching Anti-Racism

Trying Together
Anti-racism Tools

Greater Good in Education
Readings, Practices, and Other Resources

Edutopia
A Guide to Equity and Antiracism for Educators

Social Justice Music Educators
This is a Facebook group for Music Educators to share ideas, ask questions, give encouragement, and talk about social justice, equity, multiculturalism, restorative justice, and related topics and themes, specifically with respect to Music Education.

Racism in Children's Music: Liberating Music for the Black Child!
Our featured artist, “Uncle” Devin Walker conducts this and other professional development training for schools, libraries and community groups.

How to Address Trauma Related to Curriculum Violence
From Teach.com

Making Friends with the Elephant in the Room
by Lisa Heintz: Part 1, Part 2
In this two part article published by the Children’s Music Network, Lisa Heintz discusses racism and songs commonly used in educational settings, with many practical suggestions and further reading for teachers.

Antiracism for Educators: The Best Resources for Your Classroom
by: Natalie Szymiczek (Elevate Leadership)
Eight anit-racism resources for educators.

For Musicians and others

Family Music Forward
”The mission of Family Music Forward is to transform family music by supporting Black artists, children, and communities and dismantling individual, institutional, and systemic racial bias within the industry.”

The Rhapsody Project

The Rhapsody Project is a community that explores and celebrates music, heritage, and culture through an anti-racist lens. Especially check out their Face the Music workshop.

Children’s Music Network

The Children's Music Network celebrates the positive power of music in the lives of children by sharing songs, exchanging ideas and creating community.

Opening Doors
The Opening Doors Interview Series features top national and largely BIPOC talent playing music and discussing issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Jake Blount
Black Stringband Music Resources

Traditional Music Today
From this Facebook group’s published description: “This group’s goal is to be a safe (or safer) space to talk about traditional music, culture, and our lives as members of it. We live the values that represent Traditional Music Today. We are intersectional anti-racist and feminist. We don’t tolerate harassment of marginalized groups. We are an inclusive, diverse, intergenerational group that includes marginalized people (women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, people with disabilities, etc.) and allies. We are people who sing, play music, and dance — and we’re tired of discrimination getting in the way of our awesome community. We’re a work in progress, as is this description.”